With Assembly Or Disassembly Means (e.g., Handling, Guiding, Or Tool Feature) Patents (Class 166/85.1)
  • Patent number: 11913299
    Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore related activities involving a drilling tubulars string. The system includes a frame structure and a top drive device with one or more top drive motors, a transmission housing, a floating quill system with a hollow vertical floating quill shaft. The top drive device has a thrust bearing housing arranged below the transmission housing and suspended via said first and second vertical frame members from the top frame member. A hollow vertical outer main shaft is suspended from the thrust bearing housing and a hollow vertical inner main shaft is arranged vertically mobile within the outer main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventor: Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 11913313
    Abstract: In one instance, a method of completing a well includes providing a drilling-uncompleted adapter having a first side on an upper portion and a second side on a lower portion and attaching the second side of the drilling-uncompleted adapter onto a casing head of a well. The method further includes attaching at least one fracturing valve to the first side of the drilling-uncompleted adapter and fracturing the well. The method also includes removing the drilling-uncompleted adapter after fracturing and attaching tubing head to the casing head for production. The tubing head does not endure the fracturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Bestway Oilfield, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Albert
  • Patent number: 11885185
    Abstract: The present invention pertains novel coiled tubing units and methods of stabbing. The coiled tubing unit has a tubing reel; a tubing guide operably connected to the tubing reel; and an injector operably connected to the tubing guide. The injector is configured to move toward or away from the tubing reel. This advantageously allows for more convenient, effective, and/or potentially safer stabbing methods to be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: PREMIER COIL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: M. Brett Witte, Randall Dean Behrens
  • Patent number: 11879565
    Abstract: A dual-valve, valve core installation/removal tee enable the removal and or replacement of a Schrader® valve insert without evacuating the refrigeration system. The use of a dual-valve valve core installation/removal tee also permits the valve core to be removed and maintenance of the HVAC system to be performed without the flow restriction of the valve core and core depressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry J Kuo
  • Patent number: 11873685
    Abstract: A land-based drilling rig includes a drill rig floor and a subfloor, the subfloor supporting the drill rig floor. The land-based drilling rig also includes a plurality of substructure boxes, the substructure boxes supporting the subfloor, each substructure box including a lower substructure box and two upper substructure boxes, wherein there is a gap between the two upper substructure boxes. In addition, the land-based drilling rig further includes a mast, the mast mechanically coupled to the drill rig floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Padira Reddy, Denver Lee, Premkumar Mongattil
  • Patent number: 11867007
    Abstract: The present invention pertains novel coil tubing units and methods of stabbing. The coiled tubing unit has a tubing reel; a tubing guide operably connected to the tubing reel; and an injector operably connected to the tubing guide. The injector is configured to move toward or away from the tubing reel. This advantageously allows for more convenient, effective, and/or potentially safer stabbing methods to be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: PREMIER COIL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: M. Brett Witte, Randall Dean Behrens, Michael Bailey
  • Patent number: 11867000
    Abstract: A swivel stand apparatus includes a swivel tower and a swivel mounting frame to which the swivel tower preferably removably attaches. Non-wheeled friction reducing sliders preferably form an interface between the swivel mounting frame and the frame. The flanged beams are part of a basket which can receive and connect to either a jack base or a flange base. The basket can have legs of different lengths to allow connection of the basket to the bases in only one orientation to prevent incorrect connection of the basket to the base. The basket preferably includes specially configured pipe racks for holding vertically positioned pipe or pipe joints. The jack base preferably includes multiple legs to connect to legs of the basket, and two legs to contact and support the basket without necessarily being mechanically interlocked thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SWIVEL RENTAL & SUPPLY, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11761286
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon extraction system that includes an erosion control system. The erosion control system includes a housing defining a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. The housing receives and directs a flow of a particulate laden fluid between the first inlet and the outlet. A conduit rests within the housing. The conduit changes a direction of the particulate laden fluid and reduces erosion of the housing. The conduit is inserted into the housing through the second inlet. The conduit defines a plurality of apertures between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the conduit. The apertures direct the fluid into a conduit cavity. The conduit guides the fluid entering the conduit cavity to the outlet. The erosion control system excludes a plug and/or a sleeve around or in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stuart Robinson, Jerry Martino, Michael Krejci, Abinesh Gnanavelu
  • Patent number: 11747308
    Abstract: A system and method for accessing contents of a tank through a tank opening disposed on the tank. The system and method may obtain samples, use a sensor to analyze sludge or may clean the tank. The system has a rotatable head connected to a rigid tube having a central axis. The rotatable head is adapted to be inserted through the tank opening. The rotatable head comprises a displacer and a head opening. A flexible tube has an insertable end and an external end. The flexible tube is slideably movable within the rigid tube and has a range of motion relative to the rigid tube so that the insertable end of the flexible tube can be directed by the displacer through the head opening at an angle offset from the central axis of the rigid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: RJ MACLEAN LP
    Inventor: Greg MacLean
  • Patent number: 11732540
    Abstract: An isolation tool is provided that includes an upper elastomer, a lower elastomer. The isolation tool when set provides a circumferential flow path between the elastomers. The isolation tool also includes a longitudinal flow path from above the isolation tool to below the isolation tool. The longitudinal flowpath is preferably sufficiently linear that a solid tool may be passed through the longitudinal flowpath from above the isolation tool to below the isolation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Patriot Research Center, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Cotton, Brandon Cain
  • Patent number: 11603729
    Abstract: A single-tube double-wellhead drilling and production apparatus is provided, which includes a suction pile, two first wellhead heads, two second wellhead heads, two second guiding pipes, two tubings, two tubing hangers, and two plugs located inside and connected with a corresponding second wellhead head. Each second wellhead head is connected to a corresponding first wellhead head and is connected through a connecting pipeline which is provided with a control valve and a check valve. One end of each first wellhead head is connected with a corresponding first guiding pipe connected with the suction pile. Each second guiding pipe is located inside a corresponding first guiding pipe and is connected to an end of a corresponding second wellhead head. Each tubing hanger is located in and connected with a corresponding second wellhead head, is located below and communicates with a corresponding plug, end of which is provided with a corresponding tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: Hainan Energy Limited, CNOOC, Shanghai Xiawei Petroleum Equipment Technical Service Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shujie Liu, Yi Huang, Dawei Gong, Xia Fan, Hexing Liu, Wenbo Meng
  • Patent number: 11598164
    Abstract: A bit breaker for making or breaking a connection between a drill bit and a drill string, and the bit breaker includes a support structure that has a bit aperture through which a portion of the drill bit may pass. The support structure also includes basket apertures positioned circumferentially around the bit aperture. The bit breaker also includes a flexible member that passes through the basket apertures of the support structure to form a basket extending from one side of the support structure that can receive a drill bit. Relative rotation between the support structure and the flexible member causes the flexible member to tighten to make or break the connection between the drill bit and the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C Grosz
  • Patent number: 11549612
    Abstract: A docking fixture for removal of a valve core from a valve fitting of a pressurized system includes a main body defining a hollow main channel that receives a gripping probe to remove the core of a charging valve that is part of a pressurized HVAC system. The docking fixture has a proximal end that can be connected to the HVAC fitting that houses the valve core that is to be removed and replaced. The docking fixture has a side port integrated with a slide valve that can be closed to isolate and protect a sensitive vacuum pressure gauge that might be connected to the free end the fixture's side port. The slide valve includes a sleeve and a tactile feedback mechanism that is configured to provide tactile sensation when the sleeve is positioned in one of the open position and the closed position of the slide valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Anderson Brass Company
    Inventors: Eric Scott Jones, Dave Madden
  • Patent number: 11499653
    Abstract: A pull head assembly for quick attachment to a flexible pipe is provided. The pull head assembly has three subsections. A collet assembly is mounted to the end of a flexible pipe. A mandrel assembly is adapted to go over the collet assembly. A lead screw assembly positions the mandrel assembly over the collet assembly and acts as an attachment point for pulling the flexible pipe and pull head assembly from one location to another. After pulling the flexible pipe and pull head assembly from one location to another, the mandrel assembly and lead screw assembly can be removed, and the collet assembly can act as a temporary fitting for the flexible pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew William Lousteau, Alexander Lee Winn, David Gregory
  • Patent number: 11473388
    Abstract: A wellhead may include a first back pressure valve, a second back pressure valve, and a tubing head adapter. The tubing head adapter may include a first and second back pressure valve set location that complements and engages an outer surface profile of the first and second back pressure valve, respectively. The first back pressure valve set location may be positioned below the second back pressure valve set location. A first back pressure valve receiving diameter of the first back pressure valve set location may be smaller than a second back pressure valve receiving diameter of the second back pressure valve set location. A method of isolating production tubing in fluid communication with a wellhead may include engaging a first and second back pressure valve at a first and second, respectively, back pressure valve set location of the tubing head adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Abdullah Radi Ali Al-Kunin
  • Patent number: 11448030
    Abstract: Dynamic/static sealing of coiled tubing subsea for pipeline and well access with hydrostatic conditions up to 10,000 feet water depth while maintaining wellbore or pipeline pressures up to 10,000 psi may be achieved using a system comprising a subsea fluid source which utilizes a riserless open water coiled tubing system and an open water coiled tubing sealer to control hydrostatic pressure and fluid container pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Ewen, Harris Akhtar Iqbal
  • Patent number: 11433759
    Abstract: A grille shutter is fixed to a radiator grille at end portions of the grille shutter in the vehicle right-left direction. A restriction mechanism includes a restriction member provided to the radiator grille and a restriction member abutting portion provided to an intermediate portion of the grille shutter in the vehicle right-left direction. The restriction mechanism restricts the intermediate portion of the grille shutter from moving toward the vehicle rear side relative to the radiator grille. The restriction member is configured to be movable toward the vehicle rear side relative to the restriction member abutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoya Hayakawa, Takaharu Nagatoshi
  • Patent number: 11261677
    Abstract: A drilling rig includes an interchangeable plurality of drill pipes, wherein drill bits are arranged at an end section of an end drill pipe. The drill bit being attached to the end section by means of a threaded connection and torque being provided to the drill bit by means of a splines coupling. The drilling rig comprises a lower support device and a breaker device. The system includes a drill bit storage device arranged to hold a plurality of drill bits, a gripping arm for selective gripping of a drill bit. The gripping arm may further comprise a movement sensor, arranged to monitor movement of the gripping arm, and the system may further comprise a control unit. The control unit being arranged to receive input from the sensors and the drilling rig, and to control movement of the gripping arm, the gripping means, the drill bit storage device, and the breaker device of the drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Anders Hellman
  • Patent number: 11136849
    Abstract: A fluid management device includes a seal and a piston coupled to the seal and movable to an activated position to adjust the seal to an activated state. The seal includes first sealing elements extending radially inward towards a central axis of the fluid management device and second sealing elements extending radially inward towards the central axis, the first and second sealing elements together defining an opening sized to surround first and second pipes disposed within a wellbore containing wellbore fluid. In the activated state, the first sealing elements contact each other within the opening between the first and second pipes and seal against a first inner portion of the first pipe and a second inner portion of the second pipe to close the opening between the first and second pipes and a closed state of the opening prevents the wellbore fluid from exiting the wellbore through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Marius Neacsu, Ahmed A. Al-Ramadhan
  • Patent number: 10648251
    Abstract: A directional drill stem loader and associated methods are shown. In one example, the drill stem loader operates in a linear motion. In one example, a drill stem gripper is configured to move the completely to one side of a drill stem during a retraction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Olander
  • Patent number: 10472902
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a rotating flow coupler that is configured to couple multiple sections of a casing for a horizontal well, wherein the rotating flow coupler is configured to rotate relative to the casing allowing an additional degree of freedom for equipment being lowered into the well. This may allow for equipment such as coil tubing, drilling string, casings strings, etc. to reach a total distance of deeper laterals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: O&G Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Hossam Elbadawy
  • Patent number: 10370912
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed a mineral extraction system comprising a locking clamp configured to be secured to a first tubular member, wherein the locking clamp comprises an outer radial surface having a first geometry and a rotary table adapter. The rotary table adapter comprises a base and an extension extending from the base, wherein the extension defines a recess, the recess comprises an inner radial surface having a second geometry, wherein the first geometry and the second geometry correspond with one another, and the rotary table adapter is configured to be disposed within a rotary table of a drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Tavakoli, Hendrik Schalk Le Roux, Colin Trevor Maxwell, Vince Fortier
  • Patent number: 9856716
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a drill rig platform configured to be operative with a casing system having a check valve fixedly positioned in a casing joint. The apparatus includes a casing pressure relief assembly fixedly positionable relative to the check valve positioned in the casing system. The casing pressure relief assembly is configured to actuate the check valve in such a way that the check valve actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing system. In this manner, the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid trapped in the casing system is released once the casing pressure relief assembly actuates the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Quentin J. Reimer, Colby L. Nafziger
  • Patent number: 9273532
    Abstract: A wellhead securement arrangement releasably clamps casing strings such that they cannot move in an upwards or downwards longitudinal direction. Prior to being clamped, the securement arrangement secures the casing strings in a first position whereby cement returns are able to flow around the hangers towards the surface. Once cemented, the casing strings are released and moved upwardly, where the securement arrangement clamps the hangers into position, thus creating an axial load on the casing strings while also preventing movement in the upward and downward longitudinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Plexus Holdings, PLC.
    Inventors: Craig Francis Bryce Hendrie, Bernard Herman Van Bilderbeek, Michael Robertson
  • Patent number: 9243460
    Abstract: Clamping devices for hanging or pulling wellbore rod strings each feature housing with an axial bore in which a number of clamping pieces are placed to wedge in place between the housing and rod string to perform a self-tightening action against the rod string under the weight thereof due to cooperation of beveled surfaces at the bore wall and exterior of the clamping pieces. Threaded fasteners fed through the housing wall aid in placement of the slips against the rod string. For use in pulling operations, the housing is sized for receipt in the latching mechanism of a tubing elevator for support by the same, whereby the tubing elevator can be used to pull out a stuck rod string. Some embodiments feature a circumferential gap in the housing to enable the housing to be slipped laterally onto the rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Arnold Wollmann
  • Patent number: 9200728
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping elongate elements in a parallel piggybacked arrangement during subsea laying of the elements is disclosed. The apparatus has opposed reciprocating jaws for forcing together clamp segments around the elongate elements to assemble a piggybacking clamp that applies clamping forces to the elongate elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventors: Lee Karl Rolf, Henry William Himsworth, Lukasz Sobczak
  • Publication number: 20150144355
    Abstract: A die holder device includes a die holder that has an axial centre line and is adapted to receive a clamp die. The die holder is included in a clamp arm or slide block. The die holder is restricted from axial movement by at least a first complete or partial conical surface and possibly by a second complete or partial conical surface that directly or indirectly bears against the clamp arm or the slide block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Garrick Webb, Hugo Leonardo Rosano, David Allen Hill, Trond Werner Moen
  • Publication number: 20150136383
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a horizontal fracturing tree. The horizontal fracturing tree includes a first hydraulic fracturing bore configured to flow a first fluid, wherein the first hydraulic fracturing bore extends along a first horizontal axis, and the first horizontal axis is generally perpendicular to a vertical axis of a wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Kirk Paul Guidry, Stefan Marek Radwanski
  • Publication number: 20150136382
    Abstract: A device for covering a pipeline from a wellbore comprising a cover comprising at least one lower bearing surface suitable for being mounted on an end of a vertical annular pipeline of a wellbore. The device includes a distribution elbow comprising a lower end, intended to be connected to a pipe of the wellbore, that extends vertically downwards from the cover and an upper end extending horizontally. The cover and the distribution elbow form a monobloc assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: DAKEEZ FRANCE
    Inventors: Romain Marzullo, Bernard Marzullo
  • Patent number: 9033057
    Abstract: A system for securing a first tubular to a second tubular including a housing having at least one group of at least one window therein. A gripping assembly is disposed in the housing and has at least one member operatively arranged for selectably extending through the at least one window for internally gripping the first tubular. A coupling unit is included having a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism. The first clamping mechanism is operatively arranged for externally clamping the housing, and the second clamping mechanism is operatively arranged for externally clamping the second tubular component. A method of securing together two tubular components is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gareth D. Sonnier, Stewart Barker
  • Publication number: 20150114669
    Abstract: A retention system for limiting axial and radial movement of a wellbore lock ring. The retention system includes pins for resisting axial movement of the lock ring and assemblies for limiting radial outward movement of the lock ring. The lock ring circumscribes and couples to a wellbore hanger. The pins project radially from the hanger into the lock ring and into slots, where the slots extend a distance along the inner surface of the lock ring. The assemblies also project radially into the hanger and each have a portion that registers with a channel on a lower end of the lock ring. Lock ring outer radial movement is limited by contact between the portions of the assemblies and inner surfaces of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mayur Mansukh, Aniruddha D. Gadre, Joseph William Pallini, David Lawrence Ford
  • Publication number: 20150101827
    Abstract: A technique facilitates avoidance of premature actuation of a liner hanger in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a running string which may be coupled to a liner having a liner hanger. The running string extends into the liner in a manner which creates an inner pressure region within the running string, an intermediate pressure region between the running string and the liner, and an outer or annulus pressure region surrounding the liner. The inner pressure region is initially isolated from the intermediate pressure region by a closure mechanism during, for example, movement downhole. The closure mechanism selectively closes off a port used to actuate the liner hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Aju Abraham
  • Patent number: 8985225
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a device for a top drive drilling system. The device includes a movable sleeve configured to be disposed around at least a portion of a sub. The movable sleeve is configured to be selectively disposed around a tubular by sliding axially along the sub. The device also includes a plurality of engagement features extending inwardly from an inner circumference of the movable sleeve. When the movable sleeve is disposed around the tubular, the plurality of engagement features are configured to engage the tubular when the movable sleeve is rotated in a first direction and to not engage the tubular when the movable sleeve is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
  • Publication number: 20150075813
    Abstract: A method includes attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening, attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support, and operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and wherein the first mast section is located above the opening. The method also includes arranging a second mast section below the first mast section, lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the platform floor is a rig floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony PETRELLO, Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta, Sean M. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8967278
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first housing portion comprising a first adjustable gripping system moveable between an engaged position that grips a cylindrical outer surface of a first tubular structure having a first diameter and a disengaged position that permits relative movement of the first housing portion and the first tubular structure. The apparatus also includes a second housing portion fixed relative to the first housing portion so that rotation of the first housing portion results in rotation of the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second gripping system to securely grip a cylindrical outer surface of a second tubular structure that is threadably attached to the first tubular structure and has a second diameter different than the first diameter. Methods of breaking tubing hanger connections are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nabors Canada
    Inventor: Daryl Richard Sugden
  • Publication number: 20150053426
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a rig may include a base configured to support the mounting structure on an operating surface and a plurality of transport systems operatively connected to the base and configured to lift the mounting structure off of the operating surface. An elevated rig platform may be connected to the base by a plurality of support struts, wherein at least some of the support struts comprise a mounting connection that is configured to pivot to lower the elevated rig platform toward the base and place the mounting structure in a partially collapsed state. Additionally, a connecting member may be attached to one or more of the plurality of transport systems, wherein in response to the elevated rig platform being lowered to the partially collapsed state, the connecting member may be configured to displace at least a portion of the one or more transport systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Entro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. SMITH, Justin M. CAREY
  • Patent number: 8955602
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme and methods using two or more systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubulars into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is also able to rotate the tubulars in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubulars with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: LeTourneau Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Pilgrim
  • Patent number: 8944172
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8944158
    Abstract: A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services-North America Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
  • Patent number: 8910719
    Abstract: A device and a method for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear are disclosed. The device for handling rod-shaped elements on drilling gear includes a drill rod magazine on which the rod components are deposited between a center of a drill hole and a center of a drilling mast, an elevator with a guide that lifts the drill rods above a drill hole, and a drive for displacing the elevator, a gripper attached to the elevator for picking up the rod component from the drill rod magazine, and a plurality of monitors. The plurality of monitors automatically monitor the movement of the rod-shaped components amongst the magazine, the elevator, and the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Max Streicher GmbH & Co. KG aA
    Inventors: Rupert Kockeis, Hans-Peter Murr, Tobias Stadler, Andreas Beck, Markus Heckendorf, Werner Gluck, Georg Streicher, Marco Winter
  • Publication number: 20140360780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling unit for drill rods having an elevator bracket (30) which can be swiveled by means of a tilt arm (34) under the influence of a tilt cylinder (32), and means (42) for detecting a position of the at least one elevator bracket (30), in which is provided at least one valve (50) as means for detecting the position of the or each elevator bracket (30) and as part of a hydraulic switching control circuit (54) which continues outside the handling unit, and at least one connecting member (52) for the at least one valve (50), which connecting member can be moved by a movement of the tilt arm (34), wherein the or each valve (50) opens or closes the hydraulic switching control circuit (54) such that the state of the switching control circuit (54) can be evaluated as position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Moss, Heiko Schmidt, Gerhard Grosse Veldmann
  • Patent number: 8899315
    Abstract: A wellhead system includes a bypass sleeve for temporarily isolating portions of a wellhead assembly from pressurized fracing fluid. The bypass sleeve may include a generally tubular body having a tool interface, a lock ring disposed at least partially around the body, and an anti-rotation device coupled to the body. The anti-rotation device includes a resilient member disposed in a cavity in the body, and an anti-rotation member biased away from the body by the resilient member. The anti-rotation member extends radially outward from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Jay Patrick Painter
  • Patent number: 8881801
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a rotary control device insert or an element thereof has a first clamp with a receptacle suitable for receiving a flange of the rotary control device insert therein, a second clamp having an interior suitable for extending around a pipe, and a plurality of lines extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. The first clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. The second clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the clamps includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw by a hinged connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: JTB Tools & Oilfield Services, LLC
    Inventors: Barry Marshall, Gary Marshall
  • Patent number: 8875782
    Abstract: An oil field system comprising a main body having a bore therethrough, the main body having a connection at one end of the bore for, in use, connecting the main body to an existing wellhead, tree or other oil field equipment, a transverse cavity through the bore, the cavity having at least one opening to the outside of the main body, a plurality of flow control devices for insertion, at different times, into the cavity in order to selectively control fluid flow through the bore, wherein the plurality of flow control devices includes a gate valve and drilling BOP rams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Hart
  • Patent number: 8863846
    Abstract: A jack system may provide subsea or surface operation. The jack system includes a top plate and a base plate with at least two pistons disposed between the base and top plate. The pistons are extendable to increase a separation distance between the base and top plate, and said pistons are retractable to decrease the separation distance between the base and top plate. The jack system also includes a bottom slip bowl assembly, a top slip bowl assembly, and rotary assembly. The top slip bowl and rotary assembly are rotatably coupled to the top plate wherein the rotary assembly and the top slip bowl assembly rotate relative to the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cudd Pressure Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis Overstreet, Scott Michael Cunningham, J. E. Skip Ward
  • Patent number: 8839854
    Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations and method for facilitating rotation thereof. The system includes a main body and a motor, preferably a salient pole motor. A motor shaft extends from the motor and a gear system is driven by the shaft and interconnected with a drive shaft. The gear system has a housing and a bearing retainer integral with the housing and is driven by the motor apparatus so that driving the gear system drives the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Bastiaan De Jong, Arthur William Braman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140262335
    Abstract: A connection lift system and method for handling oil and gas drilling tubular components includes a core component and a ring-shaped component, where a range of ring-shaped components may be screwed onto the core component, such that the ring-shaped component may be configured based on the tubular component to be handled, and the core may be compatible with lifting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Layton R. BULL
  • Patent number: 8826992
    Abstract: A tool circulates drilling fluid through and rotates a pipe string while making up or breaking out a stand of pipe. The tool includes a tubular member defining a central bore having an axis, wherein the tubular member comprises an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member, and wherein the upper tubular member and the lower tubular member are configured to alternately rotate independently and in unison. The tool also includes a central bore valve coupled to the upper member, and at least one radial valve coupled to the upper tubular member axially below the central bore valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140231076
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 8807229
    Abstract: A tool is provided for installing a mandrel in a wellhead assembly. The tool includes an assembly having multiple independently translatable and rotatable members. The tool includes an inner member disposed in an inner sleeve. The inner member may be disposed in a first position and second position, such that in the first position the inner sleeve freely rotates and in the second position rotation of the inner sleeve causes rotation of the inner member. An outer sleeve is disposed over the inner sleeve and may be coupled to a hold down ring. The inner member may be coupled to mandrel. The tool may be inserted into a wellhead assembly and the outer rotated to engage the hold down ring, the inner and outer sleeve may be translated axially to allow rotation of the inner member to disengage the tool from the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Delbert E. Vanderford, Ken M. Reed